How Long Does a Criminal Defense Trial Take to Be Resolved?
Facing criminal charges can be jarring. You likely want to resolve the case as quickly as possible to stop worrying about the potential outcome and move on with your life. However, a fast outcome isn’t always the best outcome. An experienced Indianapolis criminal defense attorney from The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley PC can review the charges against you, evaluate your options, and give you a better estimate of how long your case might take.
Factors That Can Affect the Timing of a Case
Every criminal trial is different. Some of the factors that can affect the potential timeline of your case include:
Severity of Charges
For cases involving more serious criminal offenses, such as murder, the prosecution may take more time to investigate and build its case. Additionally, more serious cases may involve more witnesses and evidence, which can increase the length of the trial.
Jurisdiction
Every jurisdiction is different, and the jurisdiction can affect the likely lifeline of a criminal trial. Each court has its own docket, which is its schedule of upcoming cases. The relative number of cases in state and federal courts can vary significantly. Courts with more cases will likely take longer to resolve cases than jurisdictions with fewer cases.
Speedy Trial Requests
A criminal defendant can request a speedy trial, which is a right guaranteed by the United States Constitution. Making this request can help speed up the process, but it can also give your lawyer less time to prepare for the case. Your lawyer is already playing catch-up with the prosecution, which has been working on building its case against you from when criminal charges were filed or even before. An experienced lawyer can discuss your particular situation and explain whether you should request a speedy trial.
Disposition Cause
A trial is only necessary when the defendant has pleaded not guilty, not entered a diversion program, and not accepted a plea agreement from the prosecutor. If the case does not end in a plea deal, diversion program, or dismissal of criminal charges, it will likely take longer to resolve than if it were to use these other options. If a case goes to trial, it can take many months or even years before a verdict is reached.
Availability of Evidence
Delays in gathering evidence may occur, which can prolong the criminal case. For example, drugs or DNA may need to be tested, which can take weeks or months to obtain results. Witnesses may have left the jurisdiction and may need to be located.
Contact The Criminal Defense Team Today
If you’re facing criminal charges, you need a skilled legal team on your side who can review the charges against you, conduct an independent investigation, and evaluate all potential defense strategies. The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley PC and its board-certified criminal trial specialists leave no stone unturned in defending its clients against criminal charges. Contact us today at (317) 678-9853 for a free consultation.